Hello. My name is Cristiano Folino. I have just got out of high school one week ago. My high school was called Istituto Europeo. I am 19 years old. Yesterday, I decided to join the Italian Army. My mother, Eleonora was not to thrilled about this, but my father, Damiano was very proud of me. I will miss my sister, Adriana when I’m at war. My nation, Italy was involved in World War I because Italy wanted to back up Germany. Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy were triple alliances. My nation wanted respect from European nations. Italy also demanded territory from Austria-Hungary. My nation feels that Italian people should not live in lands currently ruled by Austrians. My family and I agree with these policies. I saw Germany and Britain having militarism. I felt that something was going to happen. I could feel the tension building up when Germany and Britain were fighting over Morocco.
Morocco, the country Germany and Britain are fighting over.
2. Write an article reacting to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary:
June 29, 1914
Yesterday, the Archduke and his pregnant wife was shot by a man named Princip, from Serbia. Princip was in a clan called the Black Hand. The Black Hand had planned this for a long time. Giving out weapons to all members the day it happened and the members lined up in the street where the Archduke planned to go. One of the members hurled a bomb at the car as it drove by, but missed and injured an officer. The car continued to go down the street and others members of the Black Hand were in shock because the bomb missed the Archduke and his wife, that the other members didn't do anything to proceed into the killing. Later in the afternoon, the Archduke and his wife wanted to go visit the injured officer, that was hurt from the miss thrown bomb. The driver took a wrong turn and there, Princip was standing. He shot twice in the back seat of the car. The two fired shots hit the Archduke and his pregnant wife, killing them both. After the militarism, fighting over Morocco and now the Archduke and his pregnant wife getting shot, what is going to intrigue the war? My family and I personally think that this officially started World War I.
Princip, from the Black Hand.
Week 2: December-15th 1. Create a battle plan for your nation, detailing the weapons and tactics you can use to win the war:
July 4,1914
I think that my country can win the war, as long as we have a good battle plan, excellent weapons, and extremely good tactics. First, the fact that we are in a triple alliance with Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary is very helpful. I have decided that I am going to construct a battle plan for my country and submit my plan to the Prime Minister of Italy, so he can mobilize the soldiers for the new plan. First, we could set a propaganda for the neutral countries to join the Central Powers, or triple alliances. Italy, Germany, and Austria-Hungary can build front line, middle, back, back-up, and housing trenches. The first trenches will be dug on the border of Italy. The second trench will be dug on France's border, and the third trench will be dug on Russia's border. By using poison gas, Germany will go in the trenches that border France and fight them. I am almost positive that Germany will win because France does not have a very good military, unlike Germany. Austria-Hungary will go to the trenches that border Russia. On the front line, or the front trench, Austria-Hungary's soldiers will use machine guns to defeat the Russians. Last, but not least, my country, Italy will be sending weapons, food, clothing, and all of the other needed resources to Germany and Austria-Hungary while they are fighting. After Germany and Austria-Hungary defeat Russia and France, all three of our countries will come together and defeat Great Britain. The triple alliances will go through Belgium and take U-boats to Great Britain, we will then dig more trenches, hide in them during the day, and at night while the people are sleeping we will attack Great Britain and win the war. The plan that I have just explained is going to be called the Rufflishan Plan. I will take this plan to the Prime Minister and soon we will be well on our way to winning World War I.
2. Choose a propaganda poster either from or aimed at your nation. Discuss its goal and the propaganda techniques it uses:
The objective of this propaganda poster is participation in organizations to support the war effort from home. The techniques used on this poster are demonization which is portraying the enemy as evil, someone citizens should hate. Often, the enemy is blamed for terrorizing women or children. The second technique used is emotional appeals, which plays on people's emotions such as fear or moral outrage. The third technique used is catchy slogans which is using memorable phrases like "Remeber the Alamo" to motivate citizens to take actions. The last tecnique used is emotional symbols which is using images or symbols that appeal to people's emotions such as flags, uniforms, mothers, children, etc. This propaganda posters also represents the fact that my country switched sides during the war.
3. Write an article discussing how Russia's exit and the USA'a entry into the war affect your nations's chance of winning:
February 27, 1918
Russia decided to exit the war about two weeks ago. Russia's exit is an advantage to my country's chance of winning the war. This was good because russia was a very large country, and had a lot of people, so their navies were very large. Russia was also against the Central Powers, or you could say that Russia was entente with Britain and France. So, we were fighting against them in the war. This made our country only have to worry about getting France and Britain off our backs. The bad thing about this, is that the United States declared war on Germany. Italy is on Germany's side! So it is like the United States declared war on Italy! This is so frusterating. I am getting so stressed out because it is pretty much like the United States is taking Russia's place. So, at the beginning, Russia's exit from the war was an advantage, but now it is just disturbing, ugh! I will try to write back soon.
Map of the European countries and parts of Russia.
Week 4: January 5th
1. Write an article discussing your nation's reaction to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles: July 14,1919
The Treaty of Versailles was a treaty forced on Germany. This treaty was to put full blame on Germany, which also made my country look bad. By signing the treaty, Germany had to pay the war costs, or reparations, which were going to cost them over $30 billion. Since Germany and Britain shared militarism, the treaty would limit the size of Germany's military, which would of been good for us when we declared war on Germany in 1915, involving the Secret Treaty of London. Germany also had to give Alsace and Lorraine back to France. My country got angry with this because when we went to London, for the Secret Treaty of London, our country was promised by France and Britain that we would gain the lands of Tyrol and the Dalmation coast at the end of the war. Vittorio Orlando, the Prime Minister of Italy, went to Versailles expecting that France and Britain would keep their promise. Well, of course they didn't, and my country got very angry, including myself. We just wanted our fair share because we risked a lot of things by switching sides during the war.
the Treaty of Versailles.
Additional content:
-Report on how soldiers from your nation spent Christmas during the war: CHRISTMAS!!! December 26, 1914
Yesterday was Christmas. The soldiers of my country, Italy, spent our Christmas at MWR which is Morale, Welfare, Recreation. Each of the soldiers recieved a card. I opened mine to say "Dear Cristiano, we all miss you very much. Every day I go into your room hoping to find you there, but then the grotesque thought comes into my head that you are fighting in the war and could be dead or alive. I cry myself to sleep every night. Your father misses you dearly, too son, and Adriana has acted so much different since you left. Cristiano, we all wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you return home soon and safe, son. Love always, Mom, Dad, and Sissy." For the first time in four years I got all teary eyed. My heart felt so empty, and I missed my sister. I remembered Maria, my girlfriend. I missed her very much, also. A young man,with an amputated leg, wheeledhis wheel-chair to me and handed me an envelope. It was thick with beautiful, elegant, cursive handwriting, addressing from Maria. I slipped my finger under the envelope and opened it with joy. In it, there was a letter, pictures of us together, food packs, and $5. I loved her, and before I had left for the war, I bought her an engagement ring for her Christmas present. I was so enveloped in my own world, that I forgot I was at MWR. I looked around only to see other soldiers opening their cards, smiling, laughing, and getting teary-eyed. I noticed many wounded soldiers and a lot of people that were infected with disentary. I had to go to the hospital just a few weeks ago for Jungle Rock, a slang term for the disease of wet feet. Being in the trenches sure does cause wet feet. I am better now, thank gosh. Anyways though, I had a good Christmas, well almost perfect.
Link some cool World War I sites and provide a short review of what you can do or learn there: http://www.threeworldwars.com/world-war-1/ww1.htm On this website, you can find the causes and reasons that led up to and started World War I.
http://www.ww1-propaganda-cards.com/This website shows many propaganda post cards and it also explains what the propaganda posters mean and where the posters even came from.
http://wwar1.blogspot.com/This website is like this soldier blog, except it is real! On this website there are real letters and journal entries that Harry Lamin wrote. This is an awesome website! I would totally check it out if I were you.
Additionally, discuss your personal feelings as to what it was like to return home. Report on the overall feeling of morale for your town, as well as, how well you were received back into "normal" life:
August 25, 1919The feeling to find out that the war was finally over was amazing. I have never felt so wonderful in my life. I have just returned home safe and sound to my little town. The whole town threw me a "Welcome Home Party!" I take what I said back earlier, about how I have never felt so wonderful in my life because now I do! My sister has grown so much. She got married, too, while I was in the war. There is so much exciting news. As soon as I saw my mother I ran as fast as I could to get to her and when I did, I gave her a big hug. I have never felt so much electricity and love run through my body, until I hugged my family. There, standing behind my father was my girlfriend. She didn't change a bit. Everything looks the same on her. First, I ran to my dad and gave him a big hug, then I went over to Maria, swept her off the ground, held her tightly in my arms, and gave her a big kiss on the for-head. I was so excited to come home. I was also so happy because I was with everybody that I love. After the party was over, everybody went home. I said my thank-you's and then I got to meet my sisters boyfriend. His name was Clyde Vittio. He seemed like a pretty nice guy which was all I needed. I will write back soon...really soon!
Name: Cristiano Folino
Age:19 years
Occupation:Serving my counry.
A picture of me!
Maria, my girlfriend.
My family including two neighborhood boys.
Week 1: December-8th
1. Write an article discussing why your nation is involved in World War I.
December 12, 1914
Hello. My name is Cristiano Folino. I have just got out of high school one week ago. My high school was called Istituto Europeo. I am 19 years old. Yesterday, I decided to join the Italian Army. My mother, Eleonora was not to thrilled about this, but my father, Damiano was very proud of me. I will miss my sister, Adriana when I’m at war. My nation, Italy was involved in World War I because Italy wanted to back up Germany. Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy were triple alliances. My nation wanted respect from European nations. Italy also demanded territory from Austria-Hungary. My nation feels that Italian people should not live in lands currently ruled by Austrians. My family and I agree with these policies. I saw Germany and Britain having militarism. I felt that something was going to happen. I could feel the tension building up when Germany and Britain were fighting over Morocco.
2. Write an article reacting to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary:
June 29, 1914
Yesterday, the Archduke and his pregnant wife was shot by a man named Princip, from Serbia. Princip was in a clan called the Black Hand. The Black Hand had planned this for a long time. Giving out weapons to all members the day it happened and the members lined up in the street where the Archduke planned to go. One of the members hurled a bomb at the car as it drove by, but missed and injured an officer. The car continued to go down the street and others members of the Black Hand were in shock because the bomb missed the Archduke and his wife, that the other members didn't do anything to proceed into the killing. Later in the afternoon, the Archduke and his wife wanted to go visit the injured officer, that was hurt from the miss thrown bomb. The driver took a wrong turn and there, Princip was standing. He shot twice in the back seat of the car. The two fired shots hit the Archduke and his pregnant wife, killing them both. After the militarism, fighting over Morocco and now the Archduke and his pregnant wife getting shot, what is going to intrigue the war? My family and I personally think that this officially started World War I.
Princip, from the Black Hand.
Week 2: December-15th1. Create a battle plan for your nation, detailing the weapons and tactics you can use to win the war:
July 4,1914
I think that my country can win the war, as long as we have a good battle plan, excellent weapons, and extremely good tactics. First, the fact that we are in a triple alliance with Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary is very helpful. I have decided that I am going to construct a battle plan for my country and submit my plan to the Prime Minister of Italy, so he can mobilize the soldiers for the new plan. First, we could set a propaganda for the neutral countries to join the Central Powers, or triple alliances. Italy, Germany, and Austria-Hungary can build front line, middle, back, back-up, and housing trenches. The first trenches will be dug on the border of Italy. The second trench will be dug on France's border, and the third trench will be dug on Russia's border. By using poison gas, Germany will go in the trenches that border France and fight them. I am almost positive that Germany will win because France does not have a very good military, unlike Germany. Austria-Hungary will go to the trenches that border Russia. On the front line, or the front trench, Austria-Hungary's soldiers will use machine guns to defeat the Russians. Last, but not least, my country, Italy will be sending weapons, food, clothing, and all of the other needed resources to Germany and Austria-Hungary while they are fighting. After Germany and Austria-Hungary defeat Russia and France, all three of our countries will come together and defeat Great Britain. The triple alliances will go through Belgium and take U-boats to Great Britain, we will then dig more trenches, hide in them during the day, and at night while the people are sleeping we will attack Great Britain and win the war. The plan that I have just explained is going to be called the Rufflishan Plan. I will take this plan to the Prime Minister and soon we will be well on our way to winning World War I.
This is one of my country's propaganda posters.
2. Choose a propaganda poster either from or aimed at your nation. Discuss its goal and the propaganda techniques it uses:
The objective of this propaganda poster is participation in organizations to support the war effort from home. The techniques used on this poster are demonization which is portraying the enemy as evil, someone citizens should hate. Often, the enemy is blamed for terrorizing women or children. The second technique used is emotional appeals, which plays on people's emotions such as fear or moral outrage. The third technique used is catchy slogans which is using memorable phrases like "Remeber the Alamo" to motivate citizens to take actions. The last tecnique used is emotional symbols which is using images or symbols that appeal to people's emotions such as flags, uniforms, mothers, children, etc. This propaganda posters also represents the fact that my country switched sides during the war.
3. Write an article discussing how Russia's exit and the USA'a entry into the war affect your nations's chance of winning:
February 27, 1918
Russia decided to exit the war about two weeks ago. Russia's exit is an advantage to my country's chance of winning the war. This was good because russia was a very large country, and had a lot of people, so their navies were very large. Russia was also against the Central Powers, or you could say that Russia was entente with Britain and France. So, we were fighting against them in the war. This made our country only have to worry about getting France and Britain off our backs. The bad thing about this, is that the United States declared war on Germany. Italy is on Germany's side! So it is like the United States declared war on Italy! This is so frusterating. I am getting so stressed out because it is pretty much like the United States is taking Russia's place. So, at the beginning, Russia's exit from the war was an advantage, but now it is just disturbing, ugh! I will try to write back soon.
Week 4: January 5th
1. Write an article discussing your nation's reaction to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles:
July 14,1919
The Treaty of Versailles was a treaty forced on Germany. This treaty was to put full blame on Germany, which also made my country look bad. By signing the treaty, Germany had to pay the war costs, or reparations, which were going to cost them over $30 billion. Since Germany and Britain shared militarism, the treaty would limit the size of Germany's military, which would of been good for us when we declared war on Germany in 1915, involving the Secret Treaty of London. Germany also had to give Alsace and Lorraine back to France. My country got angry with this because when we went to London, for the Secret Treaty of London, our country was promised by France and Britain that we would gain the lands of Tyrol and the Dalmation coast at the end of the war. Vittorio Orlando, the Prime Minister of Italy, went to Versailles expecting that France and Britain would keep their promise. Well, of course they didn't, and my country got very angry, including myself. We just wanted our fair share because we risked a lot of things by switching sides during the war.
Additional content:
-Report on how soldiers from your nation spent Christmas during the war:
CHRISTMAS!!!
December 26, 1914
Yesterday was Christmas. The soldiers of my country, Italy, spent our Christmas at MWR which is Morale, Welfare, Recreation. Each of the soldiers recieved a card. I opened mine to say "Dear Cristiano, we all miss you very much. Every day I go into your room hoping to find you there, but then the grotesque thought comes into my head that you are fighting in the war and could be dead or alive. I cry myself to sleep every night. Your father misses you dearly, too son, and Adriana has acted so much different since you left. Cristiano, we all wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you return home soon and safe, son. Love always, Mom, Dad, and Sissy." For the first time in four years I got all teary eyed. My heart felt so empty, and I missed my sister. I remembered Maria, my girlfriend. I missed her very much, also. A young man,with an amputated leg, wheeled his wheel-chair to me and handed me an envelope. It was thick with beautiful, elegant, cursive handwriting, addressing from Maria. I slipped my finger under the envelope and opened it with joy. In it, there was a letter, pictures of us together, food packs, and $5. I loved her, and before I had left for the war, I bought her an engagement ring for her Christmas present. I was so enveloped in my own world, that I forgot I was at MWR. I looked around only to see other soldiers opening their cards, smiling, laughing, and getting teary-eyed. I noticed many wounded soldiers and a lot of people that were infected with disentary. I had to go to the hospital just a few weeks ago for Jungle Rock, a slang term for the disease of wet feet. Being in the trenches sure does cause wet feet. I am better now, thank gosh. Anyways though, I had a good Christmas, well almost perfect.
Link some cool World War I sites and provide a short review of what you can do or learn there:
http://www.threeworldwars.com/world-war-1/ww1.htm On this website, you can find the causes and reasons that led up to and started World War I.
http://www.ww1-propaganda-cards.com/This website shows many propaganda post cards and it also explains what the propaganda posters mean and where the posters even came from.
http://mailer.fsu.edu/~akirk/tanks/ww1/WW1.htmlIf you are interested in the weapons and who used what, then you should definately check out this cool website.
http://wwar1.blogspot.com/This website is like this soldier blog, except it is real! On this website there are real letters and journal entries that Harry Lamin wrote. This is an awesome website! I would totally check it out if I were you.
Additionally, discuss your personal feelings as to what it was like to return home. Report on the overall feeling of morale for your town, as well as, how well you were received back into "normal" life:
August 25, 1919The feeling to find out that the war was finally over was amazing. I have never felt so wonderful in my life. I have just returned home safe and sound to my little town. The whole town threw me a "Welcome Home Party!" I take what I said back earlier, about how I have never felt so wonderful in my life because now I do! My sister has grown so much. She got married, too, while I was in the war. There is so much exciting news. As soon as I saw my mother I ran as fast as I could to get to her and when I did, I gave her a big hug. I have never felt so much electricity and love run through my body, until I hugged my family. There, standing behind my father was my girlfriend. She didn't change a bit. Everything looks the same on her. First, I ran to my dad and gave him a big hug, then I went over to Maria, swept her off the ground, held her tightly in my arms, and gave her a big kiss on the for-head. I was so excited to come home. I was also so happy because I was with everybody that I love. After the party was over, everybody went home. I said my thank-you's and then I got to meet my sisters boyfriend. His name was Clyde Vittio. He seemed like a pretty nice guy which was all I needed. I will write back soon...really soon!